Section 281.56.22. Review process.

 At the time of making application for rehabilitation services, and at other times throughout the rehabilitation process, all applicants and job candidates shall be informed of the right to appeal or mediation and the procedures by which to file. If an applicant or job candidate is dissatisfied with any agency decision that directly affects the applicant or job candidate, the applicant, job candidate, or designated representative may appeal that decision or request mediation. The term “appellant” shall be used to indicate the applicant, job candidate, or designated representative who initiates an appeal. The appellant may initiate the appeal process either by calling a counselor or supervisor or by filing the appropriate division appeal form, available from any counselor or supervisor of the division. If the appeal process or mediation is initiated by telephone, the counselor or supervisor who received the call must complete the appeal form to the best of that person’s ability with information from the appellant. The division shall accept as an appeal or request for mediation a written letter, facsimile, or electronic mail that indicates that the applicant or job candidate desires to appeal or seek mediation. An appeal or mediation request must be filed within 90 days of notification of the disputed decision. Once the appeal form or request for mediation has been filed with the division administrator, a hearing shall be held before an impartial hearing officer (IHO) or mediator within the next 60 days unless an extension of time is mutually agreed upon or one of the parties shows good cause for an extension or one of the parties declines mediation. The appellant may request that the appeal go directly to impartial hearing, but the appellant shall be offered the opportunity for a supervisor review or mediation. The appellant may request assistance with an appeal or mediation from the Iowa client assistance program (ICAP).

[ ARC 2844C , IAB 12/7/16, effective 1/11/17]